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Mustang with IRS - and it's not Control Blade

As spotted in the USA - the 2015 Mustang Mule, with D2C based IRS.

For those that are in the loop, D2C Currently underpins only one Ford globally, and that is the Jaguar XF. (Yes, I know it comes standard with a Tandoori Oven, but it was designed with Ford money). D2C was ignored by Ford last decade because it was deemed too expensive. Not any more, yet unfortunately, this also means that Falcon is an orphan, unless it also goes on D2C, and we drop the I6.

I don't know whether this means that Falcon is going to become global through D2C, or if Ford have other plans for our favourite large bird, but at this stage, I can dream that Ford will be throwing Falcon onto the Global stage D2C style.

Isnt the current S197 Mustang platform based on D2C anyway? The Jag XF uses DEW98 hardware, which is what was considered for the Falcon back in the day but ruled out due to cost. Must have been those forged alloy parts.

This ties up with a muttering I read elsewhere some time ago about something called "DEW14" for the Mustang.

Now that the FG uses forged alloy parts in its front suspension, is it reasonable to assume that the cost issue has been overcome and that this new IRS may find its way into the Falcon in place of the cheap arse control blade which splits diff bushes? Or is the Falcon as we know it gone and the DEW14 is what we're getting - 4 door or no 4 door?

Regardless of what happens with the Falcon come 2016, its safe to say the I6 is a goner, it's an orphan engine and can't fit in any other Ford vehicle, and the V6's coming out of Detroit now are more powerful and efficient (just not as torquey). Using an orphan engine seriously damages the Falcon's ability to be a player on the world stage.

It is my belief that for Mustang to go IRS it has to be a very serious IRS to cope with the power. I still struggle to embrace Mustang as a global product that stands alone. I still think its coupe origins are going to cause it trouble. Yes it will always be underpinned in its home market but there are markets that still require the flexibility of four doors.

I can't see the justification in just one product form this platform and it think this gives further credence to the possibility that there will be a four door sedan of RWD underpinnings.

With this Ford can go after the likes of the Jags BMWS and AMGs. Why not!

And it has to be an issue now that Chev have gone back to RWD with their performance sedan that will represent them in Nascar.

This undercarriage shot is of the same 2015 Ford Mustang mule we spotted just the other day. What makes it so special? Well take a look at what’s not there: a live rear-axle.

We now have photographic evidence that the Mustang will finally ditch the old live rear axle setup in favor of an independent rear suspension. As we reported yesterday, it was expected for the next-generation Mustang to use a version of the Control Blade trailing-arm setup used down under by the Ford Falcon. Thanks, to this picture, we can pretty much confirm that will be the case when the 2015 Mustang is revealed in 2014, most likely at the car’s 50th anniversary at the New York auto show.

Expect the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 to carry over from the recently refreshed 2013 Mustang, but not much else. There have been rumors that the Mustang will use a range of turbocharged EcoBoost engines, including even a turbo-four for an SVO model. The 3.7-liter V-6 may or may not reappear; the crystal ball is still hazy on that matter. What it is clear on is that the 2015 Mustang will use Ford’s new Kinetic 2.0 styling language, as seen on the Evos concept car and the 2013 Fusion. According to Ford’s VP of global product design, Hau Thai-Tang, the next Mustang won’t eschew its heritage-based look but will also have a clear familial link.

There certainly are some interesting links from this site. It look like for all measures that the next gen Mustang will get Eco-Boost and IRS. They have quoted that it is a similar control blade to our Falcons. If this is the case then the idea of a global platform shouldn't be too far out of the question. Whilst others have been quoting doom and gloom for the Falcon I am taking this as an indication that the RWD platform for the Falcon can and will continue on after 2016. It makes sense. If the Mustang platform has been designed for Eco-Boost, potentially some sort of 6 cylinder, and the Coyote then this should come close to mirroring our requirements. Issues on driveline and chassis strength should not be a drama as the Yanks generally shove a S/C for their hypo versions anyway.

So common sense would dictate a global platform with unique sheetmetal and interior appointments. All we need is for Ford Oz to say "hey we are looking at this seriously and we will have some answers to you when the evaluation process has been finalised". Simple really. This would take out 75% of the posts on other forums that predict the demise of Falcon and stop local media doing the same. It would also hopefully give Australians the confidence to stay with the Blue Oval brand. What do you reckon Ford Australia? Got the balls?

A brief mention of the Falcon being used as a global platform:http://www.popularhotrodding.com/fea...g/viewall.html"Because the Mustang will have to be sold globally to make the bean counters hum, the new platform is likely to be shared with other models such as the Australian Falcon family or even new sedans here in the States."

“…The lies (Western slander) which well-meaning zeal has heaped round this man are disgraceful to ourselves only…How one man single-handedly, could weld warring tribes and wandering Bedouins into a most powerful and civilized nation in less than two decades….A silent great soul, one of that who cannot but be earnest. He was to kindle the world; the world’s Maker had ordered so." - Thomas Carlyle